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Toyota GT 86 Is More Fun Than 2020 Toyota Supra, Engineering Explained Argues

Toyota invited the whole world for its big Supra launch event. And while he didn't draw us a chart of how much he enjoyed the car, Jason Fenske is better known by his YouTube channel name, Engineering Explained, did say he still enjoys the 86 more.
Toyota GT 86 Is More Fun Than 2020 Toyota Supra, Engineering Explained Argues 10 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot/Engineering Explained
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The news is both shocking and bad at the same time, and he makes the claim after driving both cars back-to-back on the track. Remember, this is all about the fun factor, how much of a smile is plastered on your face, not lap times or power-to-dollar ratios.

There are four reasons for this, starting with weight. Depending on the model, the 86 can be more than 600 lbs lighter than the new Supra, this having to do with its less complex configuration. The steering feels better as well, more responsive and with a lower ratio that requires less input.

Obviously, you can't have this conversation without the manual gearbox. Toyota recently released sales numbers that showed only about a quarter of 86ers have the three-pedal setup. Was that just an excuse for the auto-only Supra. Many people think so.

Car enthusiasts need to have that involvement, and together with the steering and the weight, you get the feeling that the new Supra wasn't made for them. But at the end of the day, didn't Toyota partner with a luxury automaker, not Lotus or McLaren? Finally, there's visibility, which there's more of in the 86. Jason suggests that Subaru is to thank for this, like almost everything that's good about the Toyobaru project.

Now, while the press brought up a number of complaints with the Supra, especially regarding the lack of power with BMW's engine, it doesn't automatically mean the sports car won't be successful. That's up to the attention-hungry enthusiasts to vote on... with their money. But considering this reviewer owns an S2000, his opinion might be more relevant than most.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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